Time-responsive control means for typographical composing machines



Oct. 31, 1967 E wKms ET AL 3,349,895

APHICAL.

TIME-RESPONSIVE CONTROL MEANS FOR TYPOGR Y 2 Sheet COMPOSING MACHINESs-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 9', 1966 8 S mWR 0 K 0 B TW L M NAM A .WHT R WLA &D R M E A M WH l D M ER Y, my MOB H A M mfiw ATTORNEYS Oct. 31, 1967Filed Jan. 7.

TIME-RESPONSIVE (EONTROL MEANS FOR TYPOGRAPHIC E HAWKINS ET AL 3,349,895

COMPOSING MACHINES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A. 0. POWER SOURCE F 0 I I Q; E" JINVENTORS ATTORNEYS EDWARD L. HAWKINS 8 United States Patent Filed Jan.7, 1966, Ser. No. 519,216 9 Claims. (Cl. 199-14) This invention relates,in general, to typographical composing machines of the type equippedwith an automatic tape control unit for automatically releasing matricesand space bands from storage magazines and composing the releasedmatrices and space hands into a composed line for casting of a type baror slug. This invention relates, more specifically, to an improvement intypographical composing machines of the indicated type comprising theincorporation of time-responsive control means permitting selectiveadjustment of a delay in the composing of successive lines.

The typographical composing machines to which this invention relatesinclude a mechanism for reading a perforated tape containing the codedcopy for composition into lines of type and an actuating mechanism forreleasing matrices and space bands from respective storage magazines inresponse to the information received from the tape. The machines alsoinclude apparatus for receiving the released space bands and matricesand forming them into a composed line and subsequently casting lines oftype from the composed lines of matrices and space bands. Uponcompletion of the casting operation for each line, the matrices andspace bands are disassembled from the composed line and returned to therespective magazines for subsequent use. The storage magazines for thematrices are generally provided with an adequate supply of matrices topermit continued operation of the composing machine at the designed rateof speed without exhausting the supply of a particular matrix. However,in certain types of copy, one or more specific matrices may be requiredin substantially greater quantities than normally anticipated and mayresult in exhaustion of the particular matrix from its respectivemagazine. The possible exhaustion of a particular matrix results fromthe time required for sorting and return of the matrices to therespective magazines subsequent to the casting of a line and, when arelatively large number of a specific matrix are required by theparticular copy being composed, the apparatus may not be capable ofreplenishing the magazine before the supply is exhausted. In the eventthat the supply of a specific matrix is exhausted during the compositionof a line, the machine may. become jammed and prevent further operationuntil the machine has been cleared and the magazine supply of thatspecific matrix again replenished.

It is, therefore, the primary object of this invention to provide atypographical composing machine of the type described incorporating atime-responsive control means which is selectively operable to controlthe time interval between the composing of successive lines of type toprovide adequate time for return of the matrices and space bands to themagazines for reuse.

It is another object of this invention to provide a typographicalcomposing machine of the type described and incorporating atime-responsive control means which is operable to delay composition ofsuccessive lines of matrices for a predetermined interval of time afterthe formation of a preceding line.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a time-responsivecontrol means for incorporation in a typographical composing machine ofthe type described and which is responsive to the operation of anactuating mechanism of the machine for the initiation of thedetermination of a predetermined time interval to delay successivecyclic operations of the machine.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a timeresponsivecontrol means for typographical composing machines of the type describedwhich may be readily incorporated in the existing structure and in whichthe time interval is selectively adjustable.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be readilyapparent from the following detailed description of an embodimentthereof and the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a typical typographicalcomposing machine of the type described showing the relationship of theautomatic tape control unit and actuating mechanism of the apparatus andin which the time-responsive control means of this invention isincorporated.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit of thetime-responsive control means of this invention and showing theinterconnection thereof with the control circuitry of a typographicalcomposing machine.

Referring to the drawings, FIGURE 1 in particular, the automatic tapecontrol unit and actuating mechanism of a typical typographicalcomposing machine is shown in outline form indicating the relationshipof the several components as is well known. A structural supportingframe 10 is provided for mounting of the several components whichinclude a tape reader 11, a selector shaft 12 for operating the tapereader and releasing the matrices and space bands, and an elevator shaft13 for operating an assembling elevator (not shown) which receives thereleased matrices and space bands for composition of a line andtransport to a position for casting of the line of type. A power driveunit (not shown) connects with the apparatus by means of a belt 14 andpulley 15 for rotatably driving the selector and elevator shafts 12 and13 and is mechanically coupled to the respective shafts by a pair ofdriven gears 16 and 17. The selector shaft 12 is also provided with anormally engaged clutch 18 operable to mechanically disengage theselector shaft from its respective driven gear 16 and arresting rotationthereof and preventing further operation of the tape reader 11.Actuation of the selector shaft clutch 18 is effected by a throwoutlever 19 actuated by. an electromagnetic solenoid 20 through theoperation of an armature 21 in response to energization of the solenoid.A link 22 mechanically interconnects the pivotally mounted throw-outlever 19 and armature 21 for transmission of the motion to the throw--out lever for effecting disengagement of the clutch 18. In

the conventional typographical composing machines of this type, thesolenoid 20 may be energized by a signal received from the tape as itpasses through the tape reader 11. Such a signal occurs at the end ofeach predetermined line of composed type and is necessary to preventfurther operation of the tapereader 11 in releasing matrices and providethe necessary time for operation of the assembling elevator in castingof a line of type preparatory to receiving and assembling other matricesinto a composed line.

Subsequent to the actuation of the solenoid 20 in disengaging theselector shaft clutch 18, the elevator shaft 13 will be drivinglyconnected to its respective gear 17 through an elevator shaft clutch 23.Rotation of the elevator shaft 13 operates the elevator actuatingmechanism, indicated generally at 24, for transferring a composed lineof matrices and space bands in the assembling elevator from theassembling position to a type casting position. At the conclusion of thecasting operation, the matrices and space bands are disassembled andreturned to their respective magazines. Continued rotation of theelevator shaft 13 will then return the assembling elevator to itscomposing position for further assembly of received matrices and spacebands for succeeding lines upon completion of the type castingoperation. This elevator actuating mechanism 24includes an elevator arm25 mounted on an elevator arm shaft 26. An elevator handle 27 may alsobe connected to the elevator arm 25 for manual operation of the elevatormechanism. Actuation of the elevator arm 25 is effected by an elevatorcam 28 mounted on the elevator shaft 13 for rotation therewith and whichoperatively engages an elevator cam roller 29 mounted on the elevatorarm. The cam 28 is arranged to etfect a rotation of the elevator arm 25about the axis of the elevator arm shaft 26.

A latching mechanism is also provided to maintain the throw-out lever 19in engagement with the selector shaft clutch 18 and assure disengagementthereof throughout operation of the elevator actuating mechanism 24.This is necessary as the signal from the tape, as interpreted by thetape reader 11, is only of momentary duration and the solenoid 20 willonly be energized for a period of time sufficient to effectdisengagement of the clutch 18. This latching mechanism includes arelease bail 30 which is spring biased to maintain the throwout lever inits operative, clutch-disengaging position. Movement of the throwoutlever 19 to its operative position permits the release bail 30 to pivotinto latching relationship therewith after the elevator shaft 13 hasstarted to rotate and to maintain the throw-out lever in disengagingposition relative to the clutch 18. In the normal operation of atypographical composing machine of this type, the selector clutch 18 ispermitted to reengage and complete a driving engagement to the selectorshaft 12 upon completion of a cyclic operation of the elevator actuatingmechanism. Release of the throw-out lever 19 for such normal operationis effected by a trip arm 31 carried by the elevator arm 25. The triparm 31 is mechanically arranged relative to the release bail 30 toreturn the release bail to its inoperative, unlatched position uponreturn of the elevator arm 25 to its initial starting position with theassembling elevator in position for receiving matrices for assembly inthe composition of a line.

An electrical control circuit of a well known, conventional type and,therefore, not shown in detail herein, is provided for the normalautomatic control of the several elements of the apparatus in automaticcomposition of lines of type. Such a conventional control circuit 32 isindicated in FIGURE 2 by a block with the necessary external connectionsfor operation of the solenoid 20 and is understood to include a suitablepower source for energization of the solenoid. Also included with such aconventional control circuit is a normally-open switch 33 which isconnected in the circuit for completing an electrical circuit throughthe solenoid resulting in energization of the solenoid for actuation ofthe armature 21 in response to conditions affecting the perforated tape.This switch may be responsive to the tension exerted on the perforatedtape and operable to close when the tension exceeds a. predeterminedvalue. In the normal operation of the typographical composing machine,the tight tape switch 33 will not be operated and the solenoid 20 wouldonly be energized in response to a signal signifying the end of a linereceived from the tape as it passes through the tape reader 11. Othercondition-responsive elements may be incorporated in the control circuit32 and may also be effective in energizing the solenoid 20 andpreventing further operation of the selector shaft 12. Such elements donot form a part of this invention and are, therefore, omitted from theschematic diagram and the perspective view 3f the involved portion ofthe apparatus. Thesecondition-responsive elements or switchesincorporated in the prior art composing machine control circuits are notcapable of providing a delay in subsequent cyclic operations of themachine.

In accordance with this invention, a time-responsive control means isprovided for incorporation with a typographical composing machine of thetype hereinbefore described and which is capable of delaying subsequentoperations of the selector shaft in composing subsequent lines of type.This control means includes means for selective adjustment of the delaytime interval as may be determined from the type of copy beingprocessed. The operator is enabled to adjust the time interval as in hisopinion may be required by the copy and in consideration of the quantityof matrices stored in the involved magazines. The control means of thisinvention is electrically interconnected with the control circuit 32with which the machine is provided and is responsive to the operation ofthe elevator actuating mechanism 24. Referring specifically to FIGURE 2,the time-responsive control means of this invention is seen to comprisea timedelay circuit and several switches which are controlled by theoperation thereof with one of the switches being interconnected with thecontrol circuit 32 for energizing the solenoid 20.

Electrical power for the operation of the control means, preferablydirect current, is supplied from a suitable AC. power source through astep-down transformer 34 which is connected with a full wave rectifier35. This full wave rectifier 35 may be of the well knownbridge-type.employing four rectifier devices which may be of thesemiconductor diode type and connected to an output circuit including asmoothing capacitor 36.

Initiation of the operation of the time-responsive control means indetermining a time interval is eifected by closing a normally openswitch 37. This switch may be of the micro-switch type and, as shown inFIGURE 1, is mounted on the frame 10 in operative relationship to theelevator arm 25. The switch of this particular embodiment is providedwith a roller-type actuating arm 38 positioned in contacting engagementwith the elevator arm 25. The operation of switch 37 is such that as theelevator arm 25 is swung upwardly in response to rotation of theelevator cam 28, the actuating arm 38 will follow and result in closingof the contacts of this switch. Closing of the contacts of this switchinitiates the operation of the time-delay circuit. Subsequent opening ofthe contacts on return of the elevator arm 25 to its initial positionwill not interrupt the operation of the delay circuit through theinclusion of a holding circuit. This specific attachment of the switch37 is intended to be illustrative as the switch may be readily mountedat other locations and be responsive to other elements of the elevatoractuating mechanism. The indicated time of operation of the switch ininitiating operation of the time delay circuit is also illustrative andmay be varied as desired to the extent that the timing interval will beinitiated prior to return of the elevator actuating mechanism to itszero position and engagement of the selector clutch 18.

The holding circuit for sustaining the operation of the time-delaycircuit subsequent to reopening of the contacts of switch 37 includes arelay type switch having an actuating solenoid 39 and a pair of normallyopen switches 40 and 41 which are closed upon energization of thesolenoid. Switch 40 is connected in circuit with the timedelay circuitand the coil of the solenoid 39 and is seen to be connected in shuntrelationship with the initiating. switch 37. One terminal of thesolenoid coil will thus be operatively connected to the direct currentpower source as defined by the full wave rectifier 35 through the switch40 or the initiating switch 37 when either switch is closed resulting inenergization of the solenoid. Similarly, the time-delay circuit will beoperatively connected to the power source through the switch 40 when theswitch is closed. A return circuit to the direct current power sourcefrom the solenoid 39 is formed by a conductor 53 having a set ofnormally closed switch contacts 42 interposed therein. Switch 41, whichwill also be closed simultaneously with the closing of switch 40 uponenergization of solenoid 39 will complete a circuit through the controlcircuit 32 to the solenoid 20 controlling the operation of the selectorshaft clutch 18 in a manner similar to the operation of the tight tapeswitch 33 or to the receipt of an end-of-line signal from the tape.

The time delay circuit includes a multiplicity of resistances, 43-47,inclusive, and a capacitor 48 with the resistance being selectivelyconnectable in circuit with the capacitances to form a conventional RCtime-delay circuit. The resistances 43 through 47 are of dissimilarvalues and appropriate selection of a specific resistor for operationwith the capacitor 48 will provide a predetermined time delay asdetermined by the time required to charge the capacitor to apredetermined voltage. A selector switch 49 is provided to permit manualselection of the desired resistance. Connected across the resistanceportion of the time-delay circuit in shunt relationship is a switchingdevice 50 which may advantageously comprise a unijunction transistor.The emitter and one base of the device 50 are connected to thetime-delay circuit through a resistor 51. The opposite base connectionof the unijunction transistor switching device 50 is connected to aterminal of the coil of a relay solenoid 52. This relay solenoidcontrols the operation of the switch contacts 42. The operation of thiscircuit is that upon expiration of the predetermined time interval, asdetermined by the particular resistance capacitance combination, anelectrically conducting path will be formed through the coil of thesolenoid 52. As a consequence of the operation of the RC circuit on thetransistor 50, a flow of current through the coil of solenoid 52 willresult in energization thereof and opening of the switch contacts 42thereby interrupting the circuit through the solenoid 39 which will thenbe deenergized. Deenergization of solenoid 39 permits switches 40 and 41to open interrupting the operation of the time-delay circuit and openingthe circuit through the solenoid 20 which will then permit the selectorshaft clutch 18 to again engage and drive the selector shaft 12.

Upon opening of the switch 40, the selector shaft 12 will again bedriven to operate the tape reader 11 and associated matrix releasingmechanism to again assemble a series of matrices into a composed line inthe assembling elevator. A succeeding cycle of operation of thetypographical composing machine will thus be initiated. Closing of theswitch 37 during the cycle of operation prior to reengagement of theselector clutch 18 will introduce a timed delay in the subsequent cyclicoperation of the machine thereby providing a predetermined interval oftime to assure replenishing of the magazine supply of matrices which arebeing utilized in quantities greater than usually anticipated.Disconnecting the time-responsive control means from the power sourcewill permit normal operation of the typographical composing machine asdetermined by the control elements and switches of the control circuit32.

It is readily apparent from the foregoing detailed description of anembodiment of this invention that the time-responsive control means incombination with a typographical composing machine provides aselectively operable, timed delay in the initiation of successive cyclicoperations. This timed delay, which may be selectively adjusted by theoperator, advantageously increases the time during which the matricesmay be returned to their respective magazines thus assuring a continuedsupply of the specific matrices which may be utilized at a rate greaterthan anticipated. The control means may be readily incorporated intypographical composing machines for utilization in combinationtherewith without modification of the structure.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles ofthis invention have been explained and have been illustrated anddescribed in what is now considered to represent the best embodiment.However, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appendedclaims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallyillustrated and described.

Having thus described this invention, what is claimed 1s:

1. In a typographical composing machine equipped with an automaticcontrol unit for automatically releasing matrices from a storagemagazine, the combination of an assembling elevator wherein the releasedmatrices are delivered one after another to form a composed line,actuating means including a selector shaft coupled with said controlunit for operation thereof in releasing matrices and an elevatoractuating mechanism for operating said assembling elevator, saidselector shaft being provided with selectively disengageable clutchmeans for arresting movement of said selector shaft and operation ofsaid control unit upon disengagement of said clutch means, first controlmeans for eifecting disengagement of said clutch means during operationof said elevator actuating mechanism and including an electromagneticsolenoid operable on energization thereof to disengage said clutchmeans, and time-responsive control means connected with said solenoidand selectively operable for energization of said solenoid to maintainsaid clutch means in disengagement for a predetermined time intervalafter conclusion of the operation of said elevator actuating mechanism.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said timeresponsive control meansincludes a time-delay circuit having an initiating switch responsive tooperation of said elevator actuating mechanism for initiating a timinginterval.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said time-responsive control meansincludes a normally-open switch operable when closed to complete acircuit through said solenoid for the energization thereof, saidnormally-open switch being closed by operation of the said time-delaycircuit at the initiation of the timing interval and being opened at thetermination of the timing interval.

4. The combination of claim 2 in which said time-delay circuit includesselectively adjustable, time-interval determination circuit means.

5. The combination of claim 2 in which said time-delay circuit includesa normally non-conducting switching device and a series resistancecapacitance circuit for determining a predetermined time interval afterclosing of said initiating switch, said resistance-capacitance circuitbeing connected in circuit with sad switching device and operable totrigger said device to a conducting state at the termination of a timinginterval.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said time-re sponsive controlmeans initiates determination of a time interval in response tooperation of said elevator actuating mechanism.

7. The combination of claim 1 wherein said time-responsive control meansincludes selectively adjustable, time-interval determination means.

8. The combination of claim 1 wherein said time-responsive control meansincludes a power source, a timedelay circuit, a normally-open initiatingswitch connected with said time-delay circuit and adapted to be closedby operation of said elevator actuating mechanism for op erativelyconnecting said time-delay circuit to said power source and initiating atiming interval, and first and second relay-solenoid actuated switcheswhich are of the normally-open type and are closed by said time-delaycircuit at the initiation of the timing interval and opened by saidtime-delay circuit at the termination of the timing interval, said firstrelay-solenoid actuated switch being connected in circuit with saidtime-delay circuit to maintain said circuit in operation for determininga time interval and said second relay-solenoid actuated switch beingconnected in circuit with said solenoid operating said clutch means forcompleting a circuit through said solenoid and 7 maintaining saidsolenoid energized during the time interval.

9. The combination of claim 7 in which said time-delay circuit includesa normally non-conducting switching device and a seriesresistance-capacitance circuit for determining a predetermined timeinterval after closing of said initiating switch, saidresistance-capacitance circuit being connected in circuit with saidswitching device and operable to trigger said device to a conductingstate at the termination of a timing interval.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,774,463 12/1956 Rossetto et al199-11 5 3,262,554 7/1966 Abbott et a1 l9911 3,285,396 11/1966 Debus19911 3,300,034- 1/1967 Kleboe et al 199-11 ROBERT E. PULFREY, PrimaryExaminer.

1. IN A TYOGRAPHICAL COMPOSING MACHINE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATICCONTROL UNIT FOR AUTOMATICALLY RELEASING MATRICES FROM A STORAGEMAGAZINE, THE COMBINATION OF AN ASSEMBLING ELEVATOR WHEREIN THE RELEASEMATRICES ARE DELIVERED ONE AFTER ANOTHER TO FORM A COMPOSED LINE,ACTUATING MEANS INCLUDING A SELECTOR SHAFT COUPLED WITH SAID CONTROLUNIT FOR OPERATION THEREOF IN RELEASING MATRICES AND AN ELEVATORACUTATING MECHANISM FOR OPERATING SAID ASSEMBLING ELEVATOR, SAIDSELECTOR SHAFT BEING PROVIDED WITH SELECTIVELY DISENGAGEABLE CLUTCHMEANS FOR ARRESTING MOVEMENT OF SAID SELECTOR SHAFT AND OPERATION OFSAID CONTROL UNIT UPON DISENGAGEMENT OF SAID CLUTCH MEANS, FIRST